Benefits glossary
Government benefits, tax, disability and drug-coverage terms explained in plain language.
Definitions are educational. Official program rules still apply.
5 matching terms
Reset filtersDrug coverage
Federal bilateral agreements covering specific drug categories in participating jurisdictions, alongside provincial pharmacare systems.
National Pharmacare is one pathway within broader public drug coverage, not a replacement for all provincial plans.
Tax credits
Your total income minus specific deductions on your tax return, before some benefit-related adjustments.
Many benefits use net income or a related adjusted amount, not gross pay alone.
Indigenous supports
Federal health benefits, including prescription drugs, for eligible First Nations and Inuit people when not covered elsewhere.
NIHB may cover drugs not on provincial formularies, but has its own formulary and prior approval rules.
Tax credits
A tax credit that reduces the tax you owe but cannot be paid to you as cash if you have no tax payable.
These credits help people who pay tax but may provide little direct cash to very low-income filers.
CRA & Service Canada
CRA's summary of your processed tax return showing income, credits, refund, or balance owing.
Many benefit applications and reassessments use NOA figures as proof of income.
Use these MyEligible tools to explore programs after you understand a term.
Definitions explain common government and program language in plain words. They are starting points for understanding, not legal advice or official eligibility decisions. Confirm important details with the official program, CRA, Service Canada, or a qualified professional.
Glossary reviewed September 13, 2026